Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Totally F***ed.

I'm driving to work today, and half way there I notice/feel a grinding whenever I use the brakes. I also got the same effect when making turns. The trip to work is a lot of stop and go driving, and today the temp was around 95. My car is a 95 GL Duratech, so if you have any ideas what might be wrong, please let me know.

Thanks.

Since the noise shows up when you use the brakes, it's likely to be brake pads. Now, since you hear it when you turn, it may be something rubbing on the tire either when it is turned, or when the weight shifts the body. It could also be sway bar bushings. Some stuff to try:

- See if the back brakes are quiet by slowing/stopping using only the hand brake
- See if the grind is detectable from the front when you gently put on the brakes while going very slow.
- See if the grind occurs when coasting (5 mph) straight, coasting/turning left or coasting/turning Rt.
- Park level with the wheel turned slightly right, reach behind the left frnt wheel and push/pull on the sway bar to see if it is loose.

when were the brakes changed last?? maybe they are worn out...dust can make them grind too

can u hear the grinding...where does it sound like its coming from?

The grinding sounds like it is coming from the front tires. I think my brake pads were at like 45% last time I got my car checked out, which was a little over a month ago. I'll probably take the car into Midas tomorrow and hopefully they won't try to screw me over too badly.